Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Heavy Rain Landslide Alert

The Southwest Monsoon finally covered the entire Himachal Pradesh Wednesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announcing that it has advanced into the remaining parts of the state six days later than the normal date of June 25. "Although the overall monsoon rainfall during July is expected to remain below normal, the state is likely to witness excessive rainfall during the first week of the monsoon, beginning Wednesday," Shobhit Katiyar, Director of IMD Shimla, told The Indian Express. He said, "We have informed all stakeholders, including the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), about the onset of the monsoon. This time as well, we are developing a mechanism to alert the public on a day-to-day basis through telecommunication services." According to the official, the monsoon has now spread across the remaining parts of Shimla, Sirmaur, Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, and Kangra districts, including Shimla city. It has also covered the entire districts of Solan, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Chamba The development comes a day after the IMD reported the monsoon's advancement into parts of Himachal Pradesh, covering the entire Kinnaur district and large parts of Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur and Kangra districts. Interruption to essential services likely The weather office has cautioned that the anticipated heavy rain may trigger localised landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas, waterlogging in low-lying regions, and damage to vulnerable structures. Reduced visibility, slippery roads, traffic disruptions and interruptions to essential services, including electricity, water supply and communication networks, are also possible. The IMD has advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to landslide-prone areas, stay away from rivers, streams and nullahs during periods of intense rainfall, and follow weather advisories issued by local authorities. Farmers have also been advised to make appropriate arrangements to protect crops and livestock from heavy rain and thunderstorms.